Uganda: Tribal king arrested after 55 people killed in Kasese clashes

Ugandan police stormed the palace of a tribal king and arrested him after fierce clashes between security forces and a separatist militia they believe is linked to him killed at least 55 people.

Police spokesman Andrew Felix Kaweesi confirms. “We took time to talk to the king to get those people out but the king was non-compliant. The only option was to storm the palace and get those people out and get him out for his own security and safety.”

Mr Kaweesi added that he has to explain his involvement in these incidents. He will be charged with inciting violence and brought to Kampala.

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Around 14 police officers and 41 suspected attackers were confirmed killed in running battles between the two forces that cut across Kasese District in Uganda’s Rwenzori region on Saturday.

Gunfire rocked Kasese Town on Saturday afternoon and went on through the night as security operatives pursued people suspected to be involved in the fresh attacks.

Some of the houses in King Mumbere’s palace were set ablaze during the attack in the palace (D. Monitor)

The clashes went on across different parts of the district until late in the evening, leaving a police vehicle burnt in Kagando, in Bukonzo West.

Police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi told journalists in Kampala on Sunday that more 14 police officers and 41 Rwenzori assailants were killed in the Kasese clashes and also two UPDF soldiers were injured on Saturday.

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Mr Kaweesi said the attackers — not all of whom were royal guards — had guns, spears and improvised explosive devices, Daily Nation reports.

The Rwenzururu kingdom is a traditional monarchy based near the Rwenzori mountains which straddle Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and its members are mainly the Bakonzo people — also found in both countries.